Computer help forum: Help! Hacker changes my router passwords!

Don't use the router wirelessly. Use a wired connection. No need for a password then.

Kees

Nothing you can do as long as he has physical access to the router and can reset it to factory condition, thus wiping out any passwords. As a general rule, when it comes to computers and things associated with computers like routers, if you don't have physical security, you have no hope of any other kind of security.

But you could remove the button so you have to open it to reset it. Moderate skills required and could drive some a little crazy at times.
Bob

As far as electronics goes it's one of the simple things in life. Two points that get connected when you press the button. So either with a solder iron or small side cutters we remove the push button and to do the reset requires us opening up the router to do the reset with a paper clip or other conductive tool.

But let's google this?
Here's a link and video on such work.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Salvage-surface-mount-components/

Bob

He knows, and he laughs about it and jokes about it to all of his friends like its the funniest thing on the planet. He's 18; I've even told him that if he costs me the class, I and my roommate can and will sue him. He laughs at that too. He thinks that he can escape it by signing up in the military just as he gets out of high school.

Also, I am doing the Starbuck/library thing, but I usually work when their open and am up late into the night.

I put a nail through the door frame of the room where the router is in such a way that he can't unlock the door I have the only key to; seems to be holding him off for now.

As for parents, their divorced. I called my dad and I think he's tried to help but he's states away. As for my mom, she's on his side of the issue because she wants me to fail. She wants to make sure I can't be better than her. It's really messed up. I actually had to pay for this semester out of pocket and university tuition fees are expensive!

I wish I lived in a college town, the nearest one is 45 mins away. Instead I live in a town that's functional M-Sat 9-7pm and I work most of that.

And you're right, that is a plus, especially since I'm good friends with a lot of the military around here. What he doesn't realize is that if it comes down to a court case, I'll make sure it happens before he's out of high school. My grades dropped to a 74% in the past week, so I'll know really soon if I can't salvage it. I might go with the plug into the router option.

Thanks for the understanding!

Firstly, an N600 is not so large as to have not considered carrying it with you...cords, power block and all!

Secondly, snag a cheaper N150 to put in it's place and see if the fool notices the difference, then when you need to use the net, swap it out until done, then give him back the 150 to screw with all he wants!

Of course some amount of retaliation could be expected, so be wary. In your 'free time', read the "Art of War".

The real issue then becomes who is in control of the source ISP? Depending on what type it is, there can be a few ways to secure that.

I feel for your situation, but I would also advise your teacher or other school officials of the interference for your own safety and GPA!

Hope this helps!
L-8-R-B.

You say you and your roommate are affected by this criminal behaviour. A couple of practical solutions and a couple of, shall we say, "other" suggestions. I agree with an earlier poster that you should explain to your college what is going on, they may be able to offer some assistance. If you don't confide in them, they may assume that you are just flunking.

In practical terms, unless you adopt Bob's approach to disable the reset button, if he can gain physical access, there isn't much you can do to stop him. You could try:

1. Locking the router away where he can't get at it.

2. Switch to a wired system. You will need an Ethernet cable from your modem to your room, a two port unmanaged switch and a couple of patch cables, one for you and one for your roommate. A switch is easier to lock away, you can put it in a locked metal box, since you won't need to worry about the Faraday cage blocking the radio signal because you won't have one. You could even build it into the wall or a cupboard!

"Other" suggestions (Note: Politically Incorrect):

1. You and roommate invite hacker down a dark alley and explain the error of his ways!

2. Invent a name for a firm of solicitors but be sure to check there isn't a real one! Compose a letter threatening legal action for criminal damage if he doesn't "cease and desist". He may think twice if it looks realistic enough.

Sounds like a tough situation at home. Sorry to hear this. I like the suggestion of the butt kicking, but it sounds like you are the "gentle one" and he is the "mindless punk".
Anyway, go buy another router and keep the original one in its place.
Then totally hide this new router and make it your actual working device.
Keep complaining about what he is doing, but he won't know that you can now go online normally.
The best to you. Don't let the creeps bring you down!